The truth: Born and raised in the Midwest by a married/single/married/single/married mom who later helped me get started in her profession, advertising. Moved to Seattle shortly thereafter, saw mountains for the first time. Learned to flyfish. Quit advertising job. Taught English in South Korea to earn money for a drift boat. Worked as a fishing guide in Eastern Idaho for five years, lived in back of truck. Got a second bachelors degree, this time in biology. Worked a summer on the Alaskan North Slope at Toolik Lake Research Station. Recruited by former fishing guest in 2000 to write for Boise ad agency. Two great kids. Still fishing.

What I would have you believe: David brings 18 years of experience to his position as creative director. Before joining SMG, he worked for agencies in Cleveland and Seattle on accounts including the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Hewlett-Packard, the Ohio Lottery and Alcoa. In the past five years, his team has been recognized with more than 80 local, regional and national awards, including Best of Show awards from the Northwest Addy Awards and the Idaho Advertising Federation. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Keene State College (B.S. Biology) and just a regular, unexceptional graduate of Miami University (B.A. English).

Awkward phase: 1969 - Present